Track tensioning system

ABSTRACT

A tensioning system for a tracked vehicle. The present invention provides for adjusting tension of a track by moving the sprocket relative to the rollers in a substantially vertical direction. The system comprises a sprocket assembly, a roller assembly, a track, and a tension adjustment assembly. The tension adjustment assembly includes a tension bolt threaded through a tension nut that is secured to the sprocket assembly. The bolt threads through the nut and contacts the roller assembly. As the bolt is threaded or unthreaded, the sprocket assembly is moved relative to the roller assembly in a substantially vertical direction. As the assemblies move relative to each other, tension in the track is resultantly adjusted.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/085,636 filed Aug. 1, 2008, the contents of which are incorporatedfully herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the tracks for construction vehiclesand more particularly to alternative antenna cores for use in locatingand tracking equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to track system for a tracked vehicle,the system comprising a sprocket assembly, a roller assembly, a track,and a tension adjustment assembly adapted to move the sprocket assemblyrelative to the roller assembly in a substantially vertical direction.The sprocket assembly comprises a bearing assembly and a sprocketrotatably attached to the bearing assembly. The roller assemblycomprises a roller trolley and a plurality of rollers rotatablysupported on the trolley. The track is disposed around the sprocket andthe plurality of rollers.

In a preferred embodiment, the tension adjustment assembly comprises atension base plate secured to the roller support of the roller assembly,a tension adjustor plate, an adjustment nut secured to a top of theadjustor plate, an adjustment bolt adapted to be threaded through theadjustment nut such that a threaded end of the bolt contacts the tensionbase plate, and at, least one clamping bolt adapted to secure the rollersupport to the adjustor plate.

In an alternative embodiment, the tension adjustment assembly comprisesa hub secured to the bearing assembly, an adjustment nut secured to atop of the hub, a tension adjustor plate positioned adjacent the hub andin contact with a roller support of the roller assembly, an adjustmentbolt adapted to be threaded through the adjustment nut such that athreaded end of the bolt contacts the tension adjustor plate, and atleast one clamping bolt adapted to secure the hub to the adjustor plate.

In yet another embodiment, the adjustment assembly comprises a firstplate secured to the bearing assembly, an adjustment nut secured to atop of the plate and adjacent the bearing assembly, and an adjustmentbolt adapted to be threaded through the adjustment nut such that athreaded end of the bolt contacts a frame of the roller trolley. Thefirst plate is pivotally secured to the frame at a pivot point adjacentthe bearing assembly and opposite from the adjustment nut.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to atrack system for a tracked vehicle. The system comprises sprocketassembly comprising a rotatable sprocket, a roller assembly, a trackdisposed around the sprocket and the plurality of rollers, and a tensionadjustment assembly adapted to move the sprocket assembly relative tothe roller assembly in a substantially vertical direction. The rollerassembly comprises a frame and a plurality of rollers rotatablysupported on the frame.

In yet another embodiment the present invention is directed to a methodfor adjusting tension in a track of a tracked vehicle. The methodcomprises the steps of moving a sprocket in a substantially verticaldirection relative to a plurality of rollers, and securing the sprocketrelative to the rollers. The step of moving the sprocket may comprisethreading a bolt through a nut secured to the sprocket such that athreaded end of the bolt contacts the rollers. The step of securing thesprocket may comprise clamping the sprocket relative to the rollers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a track system having a track tensioningassembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment for a tracktensioning assembly for use with the system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the alternative embodiment shownin FIG. 3 without the track.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the alternative embodiment shownin FIG. 4 without the clamping assembly.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the alternative embodiment shownin

FIG. 5 without the outside roller support.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment for a track systemgenerally for use on smaller tracked vehicles.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the alternative embodiment shownin FIG. 7 without the track.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment for atrack tensioning assembly for use with the system in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the roller trolley for use with thesystem of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the alternative embodimentshown in FIG. 9 without the track or outside hub.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the alternative embodimentshown in FIG. 11 without the tension adjustor plate.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment for a track systemhaving a tensioning assembly built in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 13without the track.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 14without the outside adjustment plate.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment for a track systemwith a pivoting tension adjustment assembly.

FIG. 17 is a back side plan view of the system shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 17without the track.

FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of system shown in FIG. 17 without theside plates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Tracks are often used in ground drive systems for construction and othervehicles. Endless tracks are generally driven by a motor and sprocket ordrive wheel combination Rollers of various forms and sites are used tosupport the tracks. Tensioning devices and systems are used to maintaintension in the tracks around rollers, sprockets and drive wheels.Springs or hydraulic cylinders have traditionally been used to maintaintension on tracks.

The present invention relates to a tensioning system for use with atrack system on tracked vehicle such compact utility equipment orconstruction machines. The system uses a roller trolley and verticaltensioning system. The invention is particularly useful for tracks witha small footprint, where space for traditional horizontal tensioning islimited. However, the system may also be used for larger track systemsor other equipment.

With reference now to the drawings in general and to FIG. 1 inparticular, there is shown therein a preferred embodiment for a tracksystem for a construction vehicle constructed in accordance with thepresent invention. The track system, designated by reference number 10,comprises a sprocket assembly 12, a roller assembly 14 a track 16, and atension adjustment assembly 18. The sprocket assembly 12 comprises avertically disposed drive sprocket 20 generally provided for rotationalmovement. The sprocket 20 is driven by a motor and axle (not shown) thatare part of the construction vehicle. The roller assembly 14 comprises aplurality of rollers 22 adapted to rotate freely. Preferably, a centerpoint of the sprocket 20 is positioned between and above a center pointof the rollers 22. The track 16 passes around the sprocket 20 and therollers 22, forming a generally triangular shape when viewed from theside.

Turning to FIG. 2, the sprocket assembly 12 will be described inadditional detail. he assembly 12 further comprises a bearing carrier24. The bearing carrier 24 is disposed at the center of the sprocket 20and allows the sprocket to rotate. The carrier 24 provides support forthe axle (not shown) coming from the construction equipment or othervehicle that will rotate the sprocket 20.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the roller assembly 14 comprises aroller trolley 26 having a first end 28 and a second end 30. Axles 32are preferably disposed at the, ends 28 and 30 of the trolley 26 torotatably support the rollers 22. Additional rollers may also bedisposed along a length of the trolley 26. Preferably, the trolley 26comprises a vertical inside roller support plate 34 and a verticaloutside roller support plate 36. The support plates 34 and 36 may beconnected by one or more stabilizing bars 38, or alternatively by crosssupports disposed between the rollers 22. The inside support plate 34may also be secured to a frame of the construction machine. The outsidesupport plate 36 preferably defines a plurality of slots 40 and 42 foruse in connection with the tension adjustment assembly 18. Morepreferably, the plate 36 will define two clamping slots 40 and a tensionnut slot 42 as will be further described below.

The tension adjustment assembly 18 is provided to move the sprocketassembly 12 relative to the roller assembly 14 in a vertical direction,thus adjusting a tension level in the track 16. The tension, assembly 18comprises a tension adjustor plate 44 secured to the bearing carrier 24.The tension adjustor plate 44 is attached to the bearing carrier 24 suchthat it is parallel to the sprocket 20 and positioned between thesprocket and the outside roller support 36. A gusset 45 may be used toassist in supporting the plate 44. An adjustment nut 46 is attached totension adjustor plate 44. The adjustment nut 46 is secured, such as bywelding, to a surface of the tension adjustor plate 44. The nut 46 ispositioned such that it is aligned with and fits through the tension nutslot 42 of the outer support plate 36.

The tensioning assembly 18 also comprises a tension base plate 48secured to the outer support plate 36. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, thetension base plate 48 is welded to a bottom portion of the outer supportplate 36, below the tension nut slot 42 and the adjustment nut 46. Anadjustment bolt 50 is threaded through the adjustment nut 46 such thatit is seated against the tension base plate 48. Threading the bolt 50through the nut 46 while the bolt is seated against the base plate 48allows for the nut, and consequently the adjustor plate 44 and sprocket20, to be moved vertically relative to the trolley 26. As the sprocket20 is moved vertically relative to the trolley 26, tension on the track16 that surrounds the sprocket and rollers 22 is adjusted.

When the desired tension of the track 16 is achieved by adjusting therelative position of the sprocket 20 and the trolley 26, the positionmay further be secured using a jam nut locking nut 52 and a plurality ofclamping bolts 54. The locking nut 52 is an additional nut threaded onthe adjustment bolt 50 and tightened against the adjustment nut 46. Theclamping bolts 54 pass through the clamping slots 40 in the outersupport plate 36 and secure to internally threaded bores provided in thetension adjustor plate 44.

With reference now to FIG. 3, there is shown therein an alternativeembodiment for the tensioning assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2. The system 10 ashown in FIG. 3 again comprises the sprocket assembly 12, the rollerassembly 14, and the track 16. The sprocket assembly 12 comprises thesprocket 20 and bearing carrier 24. The roller assembly 14 includes theinside roller support 34 and outside roller support 36 connected bystabilizing bars 38. The rollers 22 rotate freely on axles 32 supportedby the supports 34 and 36.

The tensioning assembly 18 a of FIG. 3 similarly functions to adjust therelative vertical positions of the sprocket assembly 12 and the rollerassembly 14. Referring now to FIG. 4, the tensioning assembly 18 a againcomprises the tension adjustor plate 44 and gusset 45 secured to thebearing carrier 24. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the tensioningassembly 18 a comprises a tension base 60 secured to an upper portion ofthe outside roller support 36 of the roller assembly 14. One skilled inthe art will appreciate the tension base 60 may also serve to functionas a support structure for the outside roller support 36. Other supportstructures, such as support 62 along a base of the roller support 36,may also be advantageous.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the tensioning assembly 18 acomprises a plurality of adjustment nuts 64. The adjustment nuts 64 aresecured to a top of the plate 44 and the gusset 45, on opposite sides ofthe bearing carrier 24. A plurality of adjustment bolts 66 are threadedthrough the nuts 64 and seated against the tension base 60. The bolts 66can be adjusted to move the plate 44, and consequently the sprocket 20,vertically relative to the roller support 36, and consequently therollers 22. The relative position of the sprocket 20 and the rollers 22can be secured using locking nuts 68 on the bolts 66 and tightenedagainst the adjustment nuts 64. Additionally, a sandwich clamping plate70 can be used to secure the roller support 36 to the tension plate 44.The sandwich plate 70 is placed on an outside surface of the rollersupport 36 and secured with the clamping bolts 54. The bolts 54 passthrough the slots 40 (as shown in FIG. 5) in the roller support 36 andthread into bores 72 (shown in FIG. 6) on the tension plate 44. Thesandwich plate 70 and clamping bolts 54 function to secure the rollerassembly 14 to the sprocket assembly 12 in the desired tensioningposition. If tension on the track 16 needs to be adjusted, the clampingbolts 54 can be loosened and the tension adjustment bolts 66 can beadjusted until tension on the track is as desired.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, shown therein is an alternative embodimenttrack system 100 for use with smaller tracks and smaller machines. Aswith the embodiment from FIGS. 1 and 3, the track system 100 shown inFIG. 7 comprises a sprocket assembly 102, a roller assembly 104, a track105, and a tension adjustment assembly 106. The sprocket assembly 102has a sprocket 108 and a bearing carrier 110. The roller assembly 104comprises a roller trolley 112 for supporting a plurality of rollers116. The trolley 112 comprises an inner support plate 118 and an outersupport plate 120 disposed on either side of the sprocket 108. Therollers 116 are preferably secured to the plates 118 and 120 at oppositeends of the plates by axles 122 that allow for free rotation. A crosssupport assembly 124 provides a connection between the support plates118 and 120. The cross support assembly 124 comprises a tension baseflange 126 for use with the tension adjustment assembly 106.

The tension adjustment assembly 106 comprises an adjuster plate 128 anda threaded tension nut 130. The plate 128 is secured to the bearingcarrier 110 on a side of the support plate 120 opposite the sprocket108. The tension nut 130 is secured to lower portion of the adjusterplate 128. A tension bolt 132 is threaded through the nut 130 such thatthe bolt contacts the tension base flange 126 of the roller assembly104. The bolt 132 can be used to selectively adjust the verticalposition of the bearing carrier 110 relative to the outer support plate120. One skilled in the art will appreciate the adjustment of the bolt132 will allow tension in the track 105 to be changed.

When desired tension is achieved, the adjuster plate 128 can be furthersecured to the support plate 120 of the roller assembly 104. Preferably,the adjuster plate 128 defines a plurality of vertically disposedclamping slots 134 and the support plate 120 will contain acorresponding number of internally threaded bores (not shown). Aplurality of clamping bolts 136 are threaded through the slots 134 andinto the outer support plate 120. Preferably, the two clamping bolts 136are present.

With reference now to FIG. 9, there is shown therein an alternativeembodiment for a track system 200 with vertical track tensioning. Thesystem 200 comprises a sprocket assembly 202, a roller assembly 204, atrack 206, and a tension adjustment assembly 208. The sprocket assembly202 comprises a sprocket 209 and a bearing carrier 210. As with previousembodiments, the bearing carrier 210 allows for the sprocket 208 to berotated by a motor and axle from the construction vehicle (not shown).Shown in FIG. 10, the roller assembly 204 comprises a roller trolley 212supporting a plurality of rollers 214. The rollers 214 are supported onthe trolley 212 by axles 216 that allow the rollers to rotate freely. Asupport channel 218 and track stop 220 allow for connection to themachine frame (not shown) and controlled movement of the track system200.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the tension adjustment assembly 208 againfunctions to adjust the relative vertical positions of the sprocketassembly 202 and the roller assembly 204. The tensioning assembly 208comprises a first adjustor hub 222 and a second adjustor hub 224 securedto the bearing carrier 210. Preferably, the hubs 222 and 224 arehorizontally separated by a gap sufficient to allow for slidablyreceiving an adjustment plate 226. A bottom portion of the adjustmentplate 226 is in contact with and supported by an adjustment plate mount227. The adjustment plate mount 227 comprises a flange or other supporton an outer side of the trolley 212. The adjustment plate 226 may alsobe secured to adjustment plate mount 227.

The tensioning assembly 208 further comprises a plurality of adjustmentnuts 228. Preferably, two adjustment nuts 228 are used on opposite sidesof the bearing carrier 210. The nuts 228 are secured to the top of thehubs 222 and 224 such that a threaded hole in the nuts bridges the gapbetween the hubs. A plurality of tension bolts 230 are threaded througheach of the nuts 228 such that a bottom of the bolt contacts theadjustment plate 226. One skilled in the art will appreciate the bolts230 can be adjusted to move the plate 226, and consequently the trolley212, vertically relative to the sprocket 209. The movement of thesprocket 209 relative to the rollers 214 will allow the tension in thetrack 206 to be selectively adjusted.

The relative position of the sprocket 209 and the rollers 214 on thetrolley 212 can be secured using a plurality of clamping bolts 232.Preferably, two bolts 232 are used. The bolts 232 are through the secondhub 224 and through vertical clamping slots 234 (as shown on FIG. 11) onthe adjustment plate 226. The clamping bolts 232 are secured tointernally threaded bores 236 (as shown in FIG. 12) on the first hub222. If tension on the track 206 needs to be adjusted, the clampingbolts 232 can be loosened and the tension adjustment bolts 230 can beadjusted until tension on the track is as desired.

Turning now to FIG. 13, there is shown therein an alternative embodimentfor a track system having a tensioning assembly built in accordance withthe present invention. The system 300 of FIG. 13 comprises a sprocketassembly 302, a roller assembly 304, a track 306, and a tensionadjustment assembly 308. The track 306 is disposed around the sprocketassembly 302 and the roller assembly 304 in a generally triangularshape. The tension adjustment assembly 308 serves to move the sprocketassembly 302 substantially vertically relative to the roller assembly304, effectively adjusting a level of tension in the track 306.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the sprocket assembly 302 comprises a sprocket310, a flange 312, and a bearing housing 314. The sprocket 310 issecured to the flange 312 which in turn is operatively connected to thebearing housing 314. The flange 312 provides for connection to the motorand axle (not show) of a construction machine that drives rotation ofthe sprocket 310.

The roller assembly 304 comprises a plurality of rollers 316 and aroller frame 318. Preferably, two rollers 316 are used and morepreferably two sets of two rollers 316 are used. The two sets rollers316 are supported at opposite ends of the frame 318 by spindles 319 thatallow for free rotation of the rollers. The frame 318 and rollers 316are preferably sized to allow the sprocket 310 to be operative in theseparation between the sets of rollers 316.

The tension adjustment assembly 308 comprises a first adjustment plate320 and a second adjustment plate 322. The plates 320 and 322 are eachsecured to the bearing housing 314 separated by a distance substantiallyequal to a width of the frame 318. The plates 320 and 322 are connectedby a pivot pin or bolt 324 that also passes through a pivot pointportion 326 of the frame 318. Preferably, the pivot point 326 and thepivot point bolt 324 are positioned laterally adjacent to the bearinghousing 314. An adjustment nut 328 is disposed between the plates 320and 322, preferably at a tension point substantially opposite from thepivot point bolt 324. A tension bolt 330 is threaded through the nut 328such that an end of the bolt contacts a portion of the frame 318adjacent the housing 314 and opposite from the pivot point 326. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that as the tension bolt 330 isadjusted in the nut 328, a substantially vertical distance between thesprocket 310 and the rollers 316 proximate the bolt will change,effectively adjusting the tension in the track 306.

When the desired tension in the track 306 is achieved, the tensionplates 320 and 322 can be secured to the frame 318 with a plurality ofclamping bolts 332. Preferably, two clamping bolts 332 are used and passthrough clamping slots 334 formed in the outer or second plate 322. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate the slots 334 may be slightly arcuatein shape to allow for the pivoting nature of the plates 320 and 322. Thebolts 332 secure plates 320 and 322 to the frame 318, by passing throughthe plate 322, through holes 336 in the frame 318, and through the plate320, and are secured with a nut (not shown) on the back of the plate320. As tension on the track 306 needs to be adjusted, the clampingbolts 332 can be loosened and the tension adjustment bolt 330 can beadjusted until tension on the track is as desired.

With reference now to FIG. 16, shown therein is an alternativeembodiment of a tensioning system for use with tracks connected by afull axle such that the tracks are not adapted to be steered. In such acase, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the tensioning systemcan be on the inside of the track and under the construction machine.Such an arrangement is different from the embodiments shown if FIGS.1-15, where the tensioning assemblies were disposed on the outside ofthe tracks. The track system 400 is shown from the outside or front inFIG. 16, and comprises a sprocket assembly 402, a roller assembly 404,and a track 406. The track 406 is disposed around the sprocket assembly402 and the roller assembly 404 in a generally triangular shape. Atension adjustment assembly 408 (shown in FIG. 17) serves to move thesprocket assembly 402 substantially vertically relative to the rollerassembly 404, effectively adjusting a level of tension in the track 406.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the track system 400 is shown from the back orunder the machine (not shown). The sprocket assembly 402 of the presentembodiment comprises a sprocket 410. The sprocket 410 is operativelyconnected to the axle (not shown) that drives rotation of the sprocket.The roller assembly 404 comprises a plurality of rollers 412 and aroller frame 414. Preferably, two rollers 412 are used and morepreferably two sets of two rollers are used. The two sets rollers 412are supported at opposite ends of and adjacent the frame 414 by spindles416 that allow for free rotation of the rollers. Additional intermediaterollers 418 and associated spindles 420 may be disposed proximate abottom of the frame 414 and in between the sets of rollers 412. Theframe 414 and rollers 412 are preferably sized to allow the sprocket 410to be operative in the separation between the sets of rollers 412.

With reference now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the frame 414 comprises a firstside plate 422 proximate the rollers 412 and a second side plate 424parallel to and separated from the first plate. A top support plate 426is provided between the plates 422 and 424, and secured between thespindles 416 (as shown in FIG. 19, where the side plates are removed).An adjustment plate 427 is secured to the top support plate 426 for usewith the tension adjustment assembly 408 in a manner yet to bedescribed. Additional bottom support plates 428 are disposed between theplates 422 and 424, and connected to the spindles 416 and intermediatespindles 420.

The tension adjustment assembly 408 is disposed between the plates 422and 424, above the top support plate 426. The adjustment assembly 408comprises a mounting assembly 430 and an adjustment arm 432. Themounting assembly 430 comprises a top plate 434 and a bottom plate 436for mounting to the axle housing 437. Preferably the plates 434 and 436are secured to the axle housing using a plurality of bolts.

The adjustment arm 432 has a first end 438, a second end 440, and amiddle portion 442. The middle portion 442 of the adjustment arm 432 issecured to the bottom plate 436 at an arm mount 444. The adjustment arm430 is pivotally connected to the plates 422 and 424 with a pivot bolt446 proximate the first end 438 of the arm. An adjustment nut 448 issecured to the second end 440 of the adjustment aim 432. A tension bolt450 is threaded through the nut 448 such that an end of the boltcontacts the adjustment plate 427 of the frame 414. One skilled in theart will appreciate that as the tension bolt 450 is adjusted in the nut448, a substantially vertical distance between the sprocket 410 and therollers 412 proximate the bolt will change, effectively adjusting thetension in the track 406.

When the desired tension in the track 406 is achieved, the adjustmentarm 432 can be secured to the frame 414 with a clamping bolt 452. Theclamping bolt 452 passes through a clamping slot 454 formed in bothplates 422 and 424 of the frame 414. One skilled in the art willappreciate the slot 454 may be slightly arcuate in shape to allow forthe pivoting nature of the plate 424. The bolt 452 is secured to theadjustment arm 432 by clamping plates 422 and 424 using a nut not shown)on the back side of plate 422. As tension on the track 406 needs to beadjusted, the clamping bolt 452 can be loosened and the tensionadjustment bolt 450 can be adjusted until tension on the track is asdesired.

Various modifications can be made in the design and operation of thepresent invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Forexample, certain work tools or accessories could be attached to the baseunit 12 thus providing a work tool on both ends of the tool carrier 10.Additionally the equipment as described herein could be a combination ofwork tools. Thus, while the principal preferred construction and modesof operation of the invention have been explained in what is nowconsidered to represent its best embodiments, which have beenillustrated and described, it should be understood that the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated anddescribed.

1. A track system for a tracked vehicle, the system comprising: asprocket assembly comprising: a bearing assembly; a sprocket rotatablyattached to the bearing assembly; and a roller assembly comprising: aroller trolley comprising a frame; and a plurality of rollers rotatablysupported on the trolley; a track disposed around the sprocket and theplurality of rollers; and a tension adjustment assembly comprising: afirst plate secured to the bearing assembly an adjustment nut secured toa top of the plate adjacent the bearing assembly; and an adjustment boltadapted to be threaded through the adjustment nut such that a threadedend of the bolt contacts the frame; and wherein the first plate ispivotally secured to the frame at a pivot point adjacent the bearingassembly and opposite from the adjustment nut; wherein the tensionadjustment assembly is adapted to move the sprocket assembly relative tothe roller assembly in a substantially vertical direction.
 2. The systemof claim 1 wherein the roller trolley comprises a substantially verticalroller support, the support defining at least one clamp opening; andwherein the tension adjustment assembly comprises a tension base platesecured to the roller support; a tension adjustor plate having at leastone internally threaded bore, the plate secured to the bearing assemblyand positioned adjacent the roller support; an adjustment nut secured toa top of the adjustor plate; an adjustment bolt adapted to be threadedthrough the adjustment nut such that a threaded end of the bolt contactsthe tension base plate; at least one clamping bolt adapted to secure theroller support to the adjustor plate.
 3. The system of claim 1 whereinthe adjustment assembly further comprises a second plate secured to thebearing assembly such that the frame of the roller assembly ispositioned between the first plate and the second plate.
 4. The systemof claim 1 wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises a pluralityof clamping bolts, the bolts adapted to secure the plates to the frame.5. The system of claim 4 wherein the clamping bolts pass through thesecond plate, the frame, and the first plate and are threaded to aclamping nut.
 6. A track system for a tracked vehicle, the systemcomprising: a sprocket assembly comprising: a rotatable sprocket; and aroller assembly comprising: a frame; and a plurality of rollersrotatably supported on the frame; a track disposed around the sprocketand the plurality of rollers; and a tension adjustment assembly adaptedto move the sprocket assembly relative to the roller assembly in asubstantially vertical direction, wherein the tension adjustmentassembly comprises a mounting assembly adapted to secure the tensionadjustment assembly to an axle housing of the tracked vehicle and anadjustment arm secured to the mounting assembly and pivotally connectedto the frame at a first end of the adjustment arm.
 7. The system ofclaim 6 wherein the frame comprises an adjustment plate; and wherein thetension adjustment assembly comprises: an adjustment nut secured to asecond end of the adjustment arm; and an adjustment bolt adapted to bethreaded through the adjustment nut; and wherein a threaded end of theadjustment bolt contacts the adjustment plate of the frame.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein the frame comprises two parallel plates, suchthat the adjust plate is disposed between the two parallel plates; andwherein the adjustment arm is disposed substantially between the twoparallel plates of the frame such that the second end of the arm ispositioned above the adjustment plate.
 9. A method for adjusting tensionin a track of a tracked vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:moving a sprocket in a substantially vertical direction relative to aplurality of rollers; and securing the sprocket relative to the rollersby clamping the sprocket relative to the rollers.
 10. The method ofclaim 9 wherein the step of moving the sprocket comprises threading abolt through a nut secured to the sprocket such that a threaded end ofthe bolt contacts the rollers.